Nearly two-thirds of German logistics companies see political crises as a major business risk
Survey series by the Logistics Hall of Fame in cooperation with the SCHUNCK GROUP: Political risks have overtaken the shortage of skilled workers as the top risk for logistics. The volatile situation in the Middle East and new trade barriers are causing a dramatic shift in sentiment. Cybercrime, however, remains the number one risk.
Ismaning near Munich, April 13, 2026. The geopolitical situation is hitting the logistics industry with full force: Nearly two-thirds of industry experts (65.5 percent) now rank political risks as one of the three greatest dangers to global logistics. This is the key finding of the latest Trend Survey by the Logistics Hall of Fame, which is conducted regularly in cooperation with the SCHUNCK GROUP on the topic of risks. As a result, political crises have quickly replaced the shortage of skilled workers as one of the top risks in the ranking.
The sharp rise in perceived risk is closely linked to the current global situation. In particular, the military escalation in Iran and the resulting disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea are putting massive pressure on global trade flows. The survey confirms that these are not abstract worries: More than half of the respondents (55.2 percent) stated that they had already suffered concrete financial losses due to political crises. Experts identify geopolitical conflicts and wars (79.3 percent) as well as trade barriers and tariffs (69.0 percent) as the most critical factors.
Just a year ago, the survey presented a different scenario: At that time, cybercrime and the shortage of skilled workers dominated the rankings, each at 75 percent. While concern about hacker attacks remains at a consistently high level—currently at 75.9 percent—perceptions of the shortage of skilled workers have declined significantly. Only about 51.7 percent of respondents currently rank it among the top three risks—a decline of over 23 percentage points compared to May 2025. Close behind the three most frequently cited risks are supply chain disruptions (34.5 percent) and macroeconomic changes (20.7 percent). Market changes and operational disruptions occupy the remaining spots in the current risk analysis, with figures ranging from around 14 to 7 percent.
Logistics is the backbone of the global economy and is therefore particularly vulnerable to political turbulence. The fact that political risks are now taking center stage to such a massive extent shows that we are in an era of constant volatility. “Whether it’s the blockade of critical maritime hubs in the Iran conflict or the new tariff spiral in transatlantic trade—government intervention and international conflicts pose an immediate threat to the stability of supply chains,” says Thomas Wicke, Managing Director of SCHUNCK GROUP, emphasizing the significance of this development.
Cybercrime Remains an Ongoing Risk
Despite geopolitical uncertainties, cybercrime remains the most frequently cited threat, at 75.9 percent. More than half of respondents (51.7 percent) rank it as the most relevant risk of damage, particularly for their own companies. “Even though political crises such as those in the Middle East are currently dominating the headlines, the invisible danger from the internet must not be underestimated. Cybercrime remains an existential risk that can affect any company—regardless of its size or geopolitical location—at any time and anywhere in the world. And this is where it is essential to be watchful and take precautions,” says Thomas Wicke.
Industry Response: Resilience Through Diversification
To prepare for these new risks, the industry is shifting its strategy. According to the survey, 69 percent of participants are focusing on two main pillars: diversifying supply chains and sales markets, and establishing solid contingency plans. The goal is to become less dependent on individual regions of the world and to be able to quickly switch to alternative routes or partners in an emergency.
In addition, nearly half of those surveyed (44.8 percent) call for the industry to present a more united front to policymakers. The aim is to work together to prevent new trade barriers or unilateral actions by individual countries from further hindering the flow of goods.
The survey, conducted several times a year, does not provide a representative snapshot of sentiment but reflects the current assessments of a select C-level panel from the Logistics Hall of Fame network and the SCHUNCK Group. Interested persons can sign up for the mailing list at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Background Logistics Hall of Fame: The Logistics Hall of Fame honors international personalities who have made an outstanding contribution to the further development of logistics and supply chain management. The goal of the Logistics Hall of Fame is to serve as a global platform for documenting the milestones of logistics and honoring its movers and shakers, thus underscoring the importance of logistics for business and society. The Logistics Hall of Fame also presents the Logistics Leader of the Year Award to current pacesetters in logistics. In addition, the Logistics Hall of Fame recognizes innovative logistics projects by humanitarian organizations with the Lynn C. Fritz Medal for Excellence in Humanitarian Logistics. The sponsor is the Fritz Institute. The non-profit initiative is supported by politics, associations, media, business and science. Patrick Schnieder, Federal Minister for Transport, is the patron.
Circle of Supporters: 24/7 ASSISTANCE, ADAC Service GmbH, AEB, BLG LOGISTICS, Bundesverband für Eigenlogistik & Verlader (BWVL), Bundesverband Güterkraftverkehr Logistik und Entsorgung (BGL), Bundesverband Materialwirtschaft, Einkauf und Logistik (BME), Bundesverband Paket und Expresslogistik (BPEX), Bundesverband Spedition und Logistik (DSLV), Bundesvereinigung Logistik (BVL), Deutsches Verkehrsforum (DVF), Duisburger Hafen (duisport), EPAL, European Logistics Association (ELA), Exotec, Fritz Institute (Stifter), GARBE Industrial, Gebrüder Weiss, Häfen und Güterverkehr Köln (HGK), HERMES LOGISTIK.Forum, impact media projects, International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA), International Road Transport Union (IRU), Interroll, io, Lebensmittel Zeitung, LIP Invest, LTG - Landauer Transportgesellschaft Doll, materialfluss, Nagel-Group, NIMMSTA, Schnellecke Logistics, SCHÖNENBERGER Systeme, SCHUNCK GROUP, Seifert Logistics Group, Spedition Hamprecht, SSI Schäfer, STILL, TGW Logistics Group, TMG Consultants, trans aktuell, Verband der Automobilindustrie (VDA), Wenco, WILTSCHE Fördersysteme, Winner Spedition
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